If you’re in the market for a new snow blower, there are several factors to take into consideration before making a purchase. Whatever nature has in store, The Home Depot has everything to help you get prepared for any snowy season.

Pick Your Power Source

Snow blowers and snow throwers are available in a variety of power types to help you manage your snow removal projects. The most popular snow blower power options are cordless, electric (also known as corded) and gas.

Cordless snow blowers are powered by high-voltage rechargeable batteries. They eliminate worries about running over a cord or running out of gas. Many cordless snow blowers feature more than one battery port to provide extended run time, too.

Electric snow blowers, also known as corded snow blowers, are great for beginners and easy to use and maintain. With this power type, you can take as much time as you need to clear driveways and walkways.

Gas snow blowers tend to be heavier – and heavier duty – than their cordless and electric counterparts. They’re often used in commercial applications. Look for convenient features like self-propulsion snow blowers and electric starting for greater ease of use.

Stages: 1, 2 or 3?

You might think of snow blowers in terms of small, medium and large, they are actually classified by numbers of stages – as in, single-stage, two-stage and three-stage.

Single-stage snow blowers are perfect if you live in an area that only gets light, fluffy snow a few times a year. If you’re clearing heavy, wet snow on a steep uphill path, skip ahead to learn more about a two or three-stage snow blower.

These snow blowers have a single high-speed auger, which is the corkscrew-looking part that gathers the snow. In a single-stage snow blower, the auger does all the work. The auger scrapes the snow off the ground and propels it out of the chute. A single-stage gas snow blower can clear 6 to 12 inches of snow. These blowers are usually about 22 inches wide, so two passes should clear an average sidewalk. Single-stage snow blowers typically are not self-propelled.

Tip: It’s important to remember that a single-stage snow blower will make contact with the ground beneath the snow, so you shouldn’t use one on pavement or gravel.

Two-stage snow blowers throw the snow twice and the gas-powered types can handle heavier, deeper snow—up to 2 feet deep. First, an auger lifts the snow and ice, then, an impeller forces it out of the chute, throwing the snow up to 10 feet farther than its single-stage counterparts. The auger does not touch the ground, so it’s safe for use on pavement and gravel.

As the name implies, three-stage snow blowers clear snow in 3 stages. First, they pick up the heavy, wet snow and ice. Then, they chop up the snow and ice and force them up into the impeller at a faster rate than a two-stage blower. Three-stage snow blowers are ideal for areas that frequently receive moderate to heavy snow (up to 2 feet deep) and can throw the snow up to 50 feet. These are the strongest and most efficient snow blowers you can find.

The Right Brands & Features

After you’ve found the best snow blower to meet your snow removal needs, now you’ll want to look for some of the features that will make the job easier. Some important features include power steering, multiple speeds, speed control, one-hand operation, headlights, heated hand grips, chute controls, drift cutters, electric start and easy-turn capability.

The Home Depot carries the best snow blowers from all the top brands. Choose from outdoor power names you know and trust, like Cub Cadet, Toro, Ariens, Troy-Bilt, Ryobi and Honda. All at our everyday low prices.

After you clear a path, keep ice at bay and your area safer with bags of calcium chloride, magnesium chloride or sodium chloride ice melt. Use a salt spreader to easily distribute granules evenly.

Snow Blower Advice & Accessories

If you’re having a tough time deciding on the best snow blower for your jobs at home or work, our buying guide can give tips and insights on which blower to buy and why.

You can also install an ATV snow plow to your car or truck for quicker removal in your driveway. Find everything else you need to safely take on the winter season with our selection of snow plow parts, snow blower accessories, tire snow chains and traction mats to keep your grip.

Snow blowing not your speed? Our Pro Referral service can connect you with licensed and insured professionals in your area to take care of all your snow removal and service needs. Whatever you need to prep and protect for the winter season, we have the best in brands and tools for the cooler jobs.